JANUARY 2009

K
AUGUST 2011

PRINT & TEACH LESSON

PARTY RULES
Language Function:
Vocabulary/Topic:

discussing issues, reading comprehension

types of parties; party etiquette

advanced
upper-intermediate
intermediate
pre-intermediate

focus on talking
Activity 1. Discuss these issues in pairs or small groups.

When was the last party you organized? How many

guests did you invite? What time did the party
break up? Did you celebrate anything in particular?
Was it a success? Why yes or why not?
How often do you throw dinner parties? Who
cooks? Do you plan dinner parties meticulously or
do you go about things more casually?
What makes a good party?
What was the best party you have ever attended?
Why did you enjoy it so much?
What was the worst party you have ever been to?
Why didnt you enjoy it?
Are you a party animal? Do you know anyone who
you can call a party animal?
Have you ever gate-crashed a party? If yes, what
happened?
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PARTY RULES

focus on vocabulary
Activity 2. There are a lot of reasons why people throw parties. Try to guess the names of these social functions.
1. a party at which people eat dinner together in the hosts party

.................................................

2. a formal gathering for afternoon tea, traditionally attended only by

women, but men may also be invited

.................................................

3. a large formal party that features ballroom dancing

.................................................

4. a public party that is attended by the residents of a specific city

block, street or neighbourhood

.................................................

5. a party held by a couple who expect a baby

.................................................

6. a party at which guests were costumes

.................................................

7. a party that is not made known beforehand

.................................................

8. a party that is held for the purpose of collecting money for some
cause

.................................................

9. a party held for a man shortly before he gets married

.................................................

10. a party held for a woman shortly before she gets married

.................................................

11. a party given by a person, family or couple in a new house or

apartment where they have just moved in

.................................................

12. a party held for the purpose of welcoming someone

.................................................

13. a party thrown in honour of someone who is moving away or

departing on a long trip

.................................................

14. a party that is held immediately before some other event

.................................................

15. a party that is held after some other event

.................................................

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PARTY RULES

focus on reading comprehension

Activity 3. Look at the following etiquette tips published on an American website: www.emilypost.com.
Which of them are the things a host should remember? Which ones should a good guest follow?
A) BE APPRECIATIVE

B) BE A WILLING PARTICIPANT.

C) BE FLEXIBLE AND GRACIOUS

D) BE ON TIME

E) DONT OVERINDULGE

F) INVITE CLEARLY

G) KEEP EVERYONE FEEL WELCOME

H) OFFER TO HELP WHEN YOU CAN

I) PLAN WELL

J) REMAIN CALM

K) REPLY TO THE INVITATION

L) THANK THE HOST TWICE

TIPS FOR HOSTS: ....................................

TIPS FOR GUESTS: ....................................

Activity 4. Match the tips from the previous activity with short paragraphs below.
1. Do it immediately. If you
delay, you could hinder the
hosts planning and also make
it seem as if youre waiting for
something better to come
along. Even if no RSVP has
been requested, its thoughtful
to let your host know if you
wont be able to be there.

2. Thank people for coming as

you bid them good-bye. And
dont forget to thank anyone
who brought you a gift.

3; Punctuality means different

things to people in different
places, but in general guests
should arrive at or shortly after
(usually only fifteen minutes)
the time stated in the invitation.
Do not, however, arrive early.

4. Your souffl falls. Or one

friend arrives with an
unexpected guest. The ruined
dessert? Have a fallback. The
uninvited guest? As
discourteous as it is for
someone to spring a surprise
on you, be gracious. No polite
host would ever send an
uninvited guest packing.

5. In some parts of the United

States, a second thank-you by
phone is customary the day
after the party (the first having
been delivered on leaving the
party) - a gesture that's
gracious anywhere. If the party
was formal, written thanks are
in order. In fact, a written note
is always appreciated - even
after casual parties.

6. Include necessary
information for your guests in
the invitation. Is the party a
casual get-together or more
formal? What about the attire?
Maybe a guest would benefit
by knowing ahead of time who
else will be there, which you
might mention when they
RSVP.

7. Attacking finger foods as if

you haven't eaten in a week
will not only attract the wrong
kind of attention, it will also
leave less food for other
guests. Also be sure to keep
any consumption of alcoholic
beverages on the moderate to
low side.

8. Preparing your guest list

carefully is key to a successful
party. Then do as much as you
can ahead of time. (Lower the
stress level by serving food
and refreshments you know
will work.) Get everything
ready well before your guests
arrive, so you'll feel relaxed
from the very beginning.

9. When your host says that it's

time for dinner, go straight to
the table. If you happen to be
asked to participate in a party
game or view Susie's
graduation pictures, accept
graciously and enthusiastically
no matter how you really feel.

10. Make sure guests are

warmly greeted, then made to
feel welcome throughout the
party. Look after each guest
as much as you can. If you
notice that a guest has an
empty glass or if there's one
person standing alone, remedy
the situation as quickly and
cheerfully as possible.

11. If you're visiting with the

host in the kitchen as he
prepares the food, be specific
when you offer to help: "I'd be
happy to work on the salad or
fill the water glasses." Even if
your offer is refused, your
gesture will be appreciated.
When the party's end draws
nigh, you could also offer to
help with the cleanup.

12. Giving a party can be

enjoyable, especially if you
approach it with simplicity. Get
help if necessary, and don't let
your guests think you're huffing
and puffing. They'll feel far
more comfortable if they don't
have to wonder whether
they're causing you any
trouble.

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PARTY RULES

focus on vocabulary
Activity 5. What do the following words and phrases from the previous activity mean?
1. to hinder someones planning

................................................................................................................................

2. to request RSVP

................................................................................................................................

3. to bid somebody goodbye

................................................................................................................................

4. a fallback

................................................................................................................................

5. discourteous

................................................................................................................................

6. to spring a surprise on someone

................................................................................................................................

7. to send someone packing

................................................................................................................................

8. a gracious gesture

................................................................................................................................

9. a casual get-together

................................................................................................................................

10. attire

................................................................................................................................

11. finger foods

................................................................................................................................

12. beverages

................................................................................................................................

13. refreshments

................................................................................................................................

14. to draw nigh

................................................................................................................................

15. to be huffing and puffing

................................................................................................................................

focus on talking
Activity 6. Discuss these issues in pairs or small groups.

Do you have the same party rules as the

ones presented in the Activity 4 in your
country?
Are there any special party rules in the
country you come from? What should a
foreigner know before going to a dinner
party in your country?
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